A few years ago, Kara Crombie, associate professor and department head of Photographic Imaging at CCP, had the idea to create a fashion zine inspired by the work of Jamel Shabazz, a prominent fashion, fine art, documentary, and street-style photographer. “I’ve always loved street fashion zines,” Kara said. “There are some that come out of Japan and countries in Africa. And I think some of the most beautiful people are right here on this campus.” So, Kara wanted to showcase just what Philly style is made of. This year, the zine, titled Philly’s Finest, is in its third iteration and is helping to showcase not only incredible student work, but our city’s unique fashion scene too.

“This is our chance to represent Philly and all different subcultures of Philly,” said Hannah Price, instructional aid for the Photographic Imaging department. Hannah is the leader of this project and the one who makes it come to life. She collects submissions from students, chooses the images and the order in which they will appear, and works with a student graphic designer to create the zine. “Terry Peterson is one of the Graphic Design professors here, and he always links me with a great student designer,” Hannah said.

This year’s student designer was Connor DiMartino. “I had a lot of fun with it,” Connor said. “Hannah gave me a lot of creative freedom.” But Connor didn’t take his freedom too far. He wanted to do each photograph justice and create something that really brought out the talent of each photographer. “I didn’t want to obscure people’s photographs. So, I took extra care with it.”

Students from across campus are invited to submit their photographs for inclusion in the zine, and Hannah encourages them to approach this project in the same vein as the inspiration, Jamel Shabazz. “Students always kind of have a harder time approaching a stranger,” Hannah said. “So, I see this as the catalyst of them approaching people they’ve never met before.” Sanaa Desper, a student in the department, said she was nervous to ask people at first. “I was shooting in between classes and doing a loop around City Hall, and I saw this guy in a red jacket,” Sanaa said. “I was scared that if people were around when I went up to him and he said no, that I would feel embarrassed.” But Sanaa mustered up the courage to ask him once there were fewer people around. And she’s so glad she did. “When I asked him, he was like, ‘Of course! How should I pose?’”

This year is also the first year that the book launch event was accompanied by larger format printed versions of a select number of the photographs included in the zine. “I think the physical aspect that it’s like in your hands, and they get to take it home and being published on print, I think that’s really exciting for [students],” Hannah said. In the digital age, students tend to feel more accomplished seeing their work published physically. In addition to feeling proud to see her own work in print, Sanaa is also happy to have something with her peers’ work in it too. “We’re all here together. I love it,” she said.

As for future plans for the zine, Hannah said she wants to be able to make it available for purchase someday or have it displayed in local shops and stores. “I would love to put some in like brunch waiting rooms you know, or coffee shops, the city library.” She hopes someday it becomes well-known enough that people will recognize when students are taking photos for the zine and feel excited to be included.

Until then, the zine can be viewed online at sites.google.com/view/ccp-photography/home. 

Graduating with Highest Honor and earning a degree in Mathematics this May, Fatoumata Sacko is the Class of 2025 student speaker. Community College of Philadelphia gave her the opportunity to start over and accomplish her goals, and work to help others reach their potential.

As an immigrant, mother and first-generation student, Fatoumata encountered challenges but always kept moving forward. While still learning English, she struggled at first with understanding lectures and keeping up with assignments.

“I didn’t give up. I asked for help and stayed late to study,” she said.

The support and assistance from other students, a mentor and staff at CCP helped Fatoumata become more confident in her abilities, and she was encouraged to give back to others.

She volunteered as a mentor through AmeriCorps, helping other students navigate their college experience and became a math tutor for students in nearby schools through the College’s Adopt-A-School program. Fatoumata also helped students at CCP as a Lion Leader.

“I developed a good sense of leadership. I have learned so many things. The support makes me want to give back to my community,” she said.

Fatoumata’s academic achievements have earned her several scholarships, including the All-PA Academic Team Scholarship, the PECO Scholarship for STEM students, and she is currently a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, which would provide funds to mostly cover tuition, fees, living expenses, and books as she works toward her bachelor’s degree.

She hopes others can learn from her story and pursue their education, even if they have doubts.

“It’s going to be hard, but I’m an immigrant, and I came here in 2022. I am a single mother, I go to school and I work as a tutor. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s possible. I’ve gotten a lot of scholarships and have served my community. Resiliency is the key,” said Fatoumata.

As she prepares for transfer to a four-year program, Fatoumata is grateful for her time at the College.

“CCP gave me the space to grow, to lead, and to believe in myself, both academically and personally. Choosing CCP was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” said Fatoumata.

1. What degree and/or certificate are you earning, and what is your title at the College?

I am deeply honored to be earning my Associate in Health Care Studies from Community College of Philadelphia. This achievement is not just a reflection of academic growth—it’s a symbol of resilience, purpose and transformation. As both a student and a proud staff member, my journey at CCP has been one of profound self-discovery and unwavering dedication to service.

In my role as the administrative associate to the associate vice president/dean of Students, I’ve had the privilege of supporting students through their own educational paths, all while walking my own. Balancing both roles has given me a unique perspective: I’ve not only witnessed the power of education to change lives—I’ve lived it. This degree represents more than a milestone—it’s a testament to what’s possible when you lead with heart, commit to growth and remain rooted in the belief that your journey can inspire others. My mission is not just to succeed, but to uplift those around me as I rise. CCP has been my foundation, my launchpad and my community—and I carry its impact with me proudly.

2. Did you participate in any student clubs or activities, benefit from support services, or receive a scholarship?

Without a doubt, the support services at CCP were not just helpful—they were a lifeline. In moments when I felt overwhelmed, lost or unsure of my next steps, the College stood by me like a steady hand guiding me through the storm. From academic advising to mental wellness resources, every service was a reminder that I wasn’t walking this path alone.

Becoming a Catto Scholar was one of the greatest blessings in my journey. It lifted a financial weight off my shoulders and gave me the space to truly focus on my personal and academic growth. But more than that, it gave me a community that believed in my potential even before I fully believed in it myself.

My success coach, Lacresha Allen, has been nothing short of an angel. Her unwavering encouragement, genuine compassion and tireless support carried me through the toughest seasons of this journey. She didn’t just help me stay on track—she reminded me of my strength when I needed it most. CCP nurtured more than just my education—it nurtured my resilience, my purpose and my belief in what’s possible. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

3. How did your program further your career and personal goals?

This program didn’t just educate me—it awakened a fire within me. It reignited my love for health care and reminded me of the deep, unwavering purpose I carry: to become a NICU nurse. A healer. A comforter. A steady hand in life’s most delicate moments. I want to be a source of light for the tiniest, most vulnerable lives and a voice of reassurance for families navigating uncertainty and fear. This journey hasn’t been easy. There were times I questioned myself—times the weight of life, responsibility and doubt nearly pulled me away from my path. But each time I stumbled, I found myself returning to the same truth: nursing is where I’m meant to be. It’s not just a profession—it’s a calling anchored in compassion, resilience and the deepest sense of purpose. The program at CCP pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of. The coursework challenged me to think critically. The support I received reminded me that I am never alone. And the knowledge I’ve gained gave me more than skills—it gave me confidence, clarity and an unshakable belief in my future. Being a self-published author has also shaped the direction I’ve chosen. Through storytelling, I discovered the power of using my voice to uplift, comfort and inspire others. That same passion is what I carry into health care—to listen, to advocate and to care deeply. CCP didn’t just open a door—it gave me the courage to walk through it. I’m choosing a path that will allow me to grow, to serve and to live a life of purpose—with flexibility, intention and a dream I refuse to let go of. And it all begins here.

4. How did the College prepare you for success? Are there any faculty or staff members you'd like to thank?

CCP didn’t just equip me with tools—it gave me hope, direction and the unwavering belief that I was meant for something greater. The faculty didn’t simply teach—they poured their hearts into every lesson, nurturing my growth with compassion, patience and purpose. The staff became a lifeline during the moments I felt overwhelmed, gently reminding me of my strength when I struggled to see it for myself. There were days when I questioned if I could keep going—but they never did. They saw something in me I was still learning to see in myself. And because of their belief, I kept rising. I carry their words, their kindness and their faith in me like armor. To every professor, every mentor, every soul who helped shape me—thank you. You didn’t just help me earn a degree. You helped me become a woman who now believes in her power to change lives, just as you changed mine.

5. What advice would you give to individuals who are considering attending CCP, or other employees thinking about going back to school?

Take the leap—even if your voice trembles and your hands shake. Your dreams are not too big, too late or too far gone. They were planted in you for a reason. You don’t need perfect timing, endless resources or permission from the world to begin. What you need is one brave moment—one decision to believe in yourself, even if no one else does. The journey may challenge you. It may stretch parts of you that have long been dormant. But in that stretch, you’ll grow. In that discomfort, you’ll discover strength you didn’t know you had. And when you begin to walk in alignment with your purpose, you’ll feel a fire rise within you that no obstacle can extinguish. You are worthy of more. You are capable of more. You are becoming more. So, start. Begin messy, begin afraid—but begin. Because once you say yes to yourself, the universe has a way of rising to meet you. And I promise you—the journey is worth it. Every single step.